Former keeper-batter Parthiv Patel has backed Team India’s move to try part-time off-spinner Deepak Hooda as the sixth bowling option in the second T20I against New Zealand.
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Patel pointed out that the only way India can find out if he is good enough for the role is by giving him plenty of overs in international matches.
Hooda was dismissed without scoring and for a golden duck. This was his second consecutive score of 0.
However, Hooda registered impressive figures of 4/10 in 2.5 overs but Three of his four scalps were of tail-enders, which came in the 19th over of New Zealand’s chase.
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Hooda was in brilliant touch with the bat prior to the T20 World Cup but his batting form has down a bit.
Patel appreciated skipper Hardik Pandya for giving Hooda the opportunity to make a mark.
“If someone has the ability to bowl, the only way you can find it out is by giving him those overs in international games. That’s exactly what Hardik Pandya did with Hooda. said Parthiv Patel
“We know that Hooda got into the World Cup squad because of his ability to bowl. But he did not bowl in the single game that he played. It was not needed, but you’ve got to give him some overs to see whether he is good enough to give you those couple of overs or at least one over.” he added
“They are thinking aggressive, thinking wickets. This is something which is so important in T20 format. It’s great to see we are going ahead, thinking ahead.”
Hooda will look to come of with better performances with bat and that is the primary reason for him being in the side. He will look to get in a valuable contribution in the 3rd T20I at the McLean park on Tuesday.
